Talking Cars: Check-engine light still on

Friday

Nov 19, 2010 at 12:01 AMNov 19, 2010 at 6:12 PM

I have a 1999 Lexus es300 with a check-engine light on. Scan codes are P1354 and P1395. My local garage mechanic has replaced dvt solenoid and dvt gears on camshaft. He also checked engine timing and cleaned oil strainer. But the light is still on. Would you please give some help?

Junior Damato

QUESTION: I have a 1999 Lexus es300 with a check-engine light on. Scan codes are P1354 and P1395. My local garage mechanic has replaced dvt solenoid and dvt gears on camshaft. He also checked engine timing and cleaned oil strainer. But the light is still on. Would you please give some help?

ANSWER: There is more information and checking needed before just replacing parts. A look at our Identifix website confirms a lot of problems with the oil-control valve, timing belt timing, wiring harness issues, faulty timing valves, even a faulty engine computer. There is a step-by-step procedure needed to follow to find the actual problem.

QUESTION: The overdrive went out on my 1989 Ford Crown Vic 5-liter, although the other gears work correctly. We replaced the transmission with another one from a scrap yard, but the overdrive still does not work. Is there something else that could becausing the problem in the shifter or linkage?

ANSWER: Before any parts are replaced, the trouble flow chart needs to be followed. This can be had at Alldata and there is a checklist that needs to be followed to find the problem. I have seen many mismatched transmission replacements in vehicles. These mismatched transmissions fit right in, however, will not have all the features that the correct transmission had. At this point you need to take the car to a transmission expert to have them check the transmission and application.

Junior Damato writes regularly about cars. You can send questions to him care of the Old Colony Memorial, 182 Standish Ave., Plymouth, MA 02360, or e-mail ocm@cnc.com.

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